Suspicious Injuries
Report of abuse and neglect in nursing homes have increased in recent years, and are expected to continue rising. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports approximately three million people live in nursing homes. This aging population continues to grow due to the Baby Boomer generation.
Why Avoidable Injuries Happen
Nursing homes are profit-driven businesses, often owned by large corporations. To increase profits, nursing homes sometimes cut expenses. Consequently, proper care suffers. Homes are understaffed and workers are often improperly trained. In addition, proper supervision may be lacking, and can result in wrongful death.
Although Federal law mandates high standards for care, too many nursing homes fail to enforce these standards. To protect your family member residing in a nursing home, pay attention during visits. If your loved one withdraws when a caregiver is present, has significant behavioral changes, or refuses to participate in favorite activities, this may indicate abuse or neglect.
Watch for these other suspicious injuries:
- Pressure sores
- Malnutrition / Dehydration
- Cuts and bruises
- Infections and fevers
- Medication errors
- Unexplained falls and fractures
- Lack of proper hygienic conditions
- Genital sores and infections (indicating sexual abuse)
- Wrongful death
If You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect abuse, visit the nursing home at random times. Observe your loved one and the caregivers at different times of the day. If caregivers are not expecting you, you are more likely to notice something is amiss.
If your loved one reports abuse, take it seriously. Please contact the Arizona nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Cullan & Cullan today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and all of Arizona.